8 by 8 post cracking

[Bangon61]

I have a 8 foot tall 8 by 8 inch post that has a fairly large Crack on one side going from the bottom up to about the 3 floor mark. As you can see in the pictures. The Crack is about one inch deep and only on one side. The post is supporting a fairly large beam. Should I be worried? Should I sink some structural screws through it to try and stop the cracking or bolt it or something? Or just leave it? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[mike93lx]

That's normal and isn't a problem

 

[PCustoms]

That's normal and isn't a problem

Pretty much.

I assume the post is fairly new?

 

[billconner]

I agree.

 

[toolmiser]

Looks like the posts in my basement holding up the center beam. House is probably pushing 50 years old.

 

[The Cobbler]

nothing to worry about. the compression strength is hardly compromised , if at all. the result of new growth lumber ( 30 yrs old as opposed to 200 yr old old growth lumber)

 

[Beemer]

You think that's worrisome, you wouldn't want to go look in the attic of any historical church, especially in the steeple structure.

 

[Rusted Nut]

That’s called a “check”. Lumber is graded taking checks into account. No worries structurally.

 

[wssix99]

Here's a good page with info on features scanned during structural lumber grading: https://www.swedishwood.com/wood-facts/about-wood/wood-grades/

^ This is a European view, but consistent with American practices. The American standards are held closer to peoples chests in the back corners of smoke filled rooms. Fortunately, very reliable machines (backed by human eyes) do most of the initial grading these days, so we don't have much to worry about.

 

[FL Guy]

Wish your 55° temperature was down here in Florida

 

[mike93lx]

Wish your 55° temperature was down here in Florida

Yeah, but it's the humidity that gets you. Amirite?

 

[jar944]

If it is a boxed heart post (containing the pith center of the tree) it will crack 100% of the time from differential shrinkage of the wood fiber.

In other words it's normal and expected.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Pressure treated ?

I have three 4x6 posts on the front overhang on the garage. Every one of them were straight and unchecked when bought and used.

Now, they are quite the opposite... it's just the nature of wood.

 

[jar944]

Pressure treated ?

I have three 4x6 posts on the front overhang on the garage. Every one of them were straight and unchecked when bought and used.

Now, they are quite the opposite... it's just the nature of wood.

If you carefully select the posts you can reduce the chances of warping. Ideally you want no knots and perfectly centered pith. No knots is tough but not impossible, centered pith is easy if you pick through the stack.

 

[Bangon61]

Pretty much.

I assume the post is fairly new?

It's about 2 years old

 

[metalmagpie]

If it was mine I might band it with steel. But it would have to be welded in place so you'd get some visible char.